Sony Plans New PSX Models For Japan

Despite disappointing sales of the device, Sony officials have announced that the company will release two new models in the PSX range of PlayStation 2/DVR hybrids. The DESR-5500 and DESR-7500 will launch at the beginning of December in Japan, a year after the original versions were first released. As with previous incarnations of the PSX, the only difference between the two models is the size of the hard drive - the cheaper 5500 contains a 160Gb drive, and the 7500 sports a 250Gb unit. The major changes for the new models revolve around a trio of new applications called the X-appli. In particular, X-DJ enables the machine to mix songs stored on the hard drive, aided by an automatic music matching feature. There are also several related music programs, including a dancing game and various visualizer effects. However, there are also other new applications. X-Omakase/Maru-roku allows the use of keywords with the machine’s TV recorder, as well as pattern recognition for automatic recording of similar shows. X-Pict Story is a photo slide show program that allows users to add their own special effects and music. Crucially, no pricing has yet been announced for the new models, which makes it difficult to ascertain whether Sony intends to re-launch the format (again) at a lower price point, or whether these new additions will be treated simply as incremental upgrades.